What tastes better - hookah or vape? What is more harmful - hookah or cigarettes? Is it true that 1 hookah is equal in strength to 100 cigarettes? Or maybe 1000 cigarettes? The discussion around this topic has grown so much that at times it looks more like a symbiosis of a consultation of doctors and a rap battle. Let’s look into this issue, weigh the pros and cons and draw our own conclusions.
Criteria for evaluation:
- Chemical composition;
- Psychological dependence;
- Risk of disease.
So, the volumes of smoke (or is it steam?)
When smoking cigarettes, the smoker inhales the smoke generated during the process of pyrolysis, that is, combustion. When smoking a hookah, the process occurs differently: aromatic smoke, which is actually more of a vapor, is formed due to the evaporation of nicotine, glycerin and flavorings.
Have you noticed what tobacco looks like in a hookah flask after smoking? It looks like a dense, dried-out lump of tobacco left after the moisture has evaporated. And not at all like the ash left from cigarettes.
There is a statement that in one session, a hookah smoker passes through the lungs 100-200 times more smoke than when smoking one cigarette. But! The volume of smoke is not an indicator of its toxicity, because hookah smoke-vapor consists primarily of water, and its formation temperature is hundreds of degrees lower than that of cigarettes.
Moreover, during the combustion of tobacco, about 4,700 chemical compounds are released, 60 of which are human carcinogens (while in hookah vapor the number of chemical compounds is 142 components). Among those dangerous to the human body are nicotine, carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide), tars, salts of heavy metals and other residual substances.
Harm to others
Hookah smoke is not only less harmful. Being in a hookah bar is much more pleasant than being in a room where they smoke cigarettes. Even those people who have never tried smoking in their lives pay attention to this.
Of course, it is difficult to call hookah a harmless procedure even if there are many advantages in its favor. It cannot stand comparison with clean alpine air, but comparison with cigarettes it does. Many people use hookah when they quit smoking. He somehow reconciles with the harsh everyday life. Although it also causes harm, it is in a lesser concentration and in a longer term.
Chemical composition of tobacco
About nicotine
Since tobacco is used in both cigarettes and hookahs, nicotine is inevitably inhaled in both cases (except, of course, for the use of nicotine-free hookah mixtures).
However, there is less nicotine in hookah tobacco than in cigarette tobacco: the share of nicotine in hookah tobacco, as a rule, does not exceed 1% (and most often it is 0.5-06%), while in cigarettes this figure can reach 3% , and 0.6% is the minimum threshold.
Non-nicotine
mixtures do not contain tobacco at all, and, as the name suggests, no nicotine.
About carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide (also known as carbon monoxide CO) is dangerous because it easily combines with hemoglobin and directly affects the functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, lowering the level of oxygen in the blood. Carbon monoxide is released in both cases - when smoking both cigarettes and hookah. Moreover, the numbers in the second case, at first glance, even seem somewhat frightening:
1 liter of hookah smoke contains 1.79 mg of carbon monoxide. Assuming 100 puffs are taken in one hour-long session, the final “total” will be 179 mg of CO2. To achieve such “results” alone, you need to take one and a half deep puffs per minute!
As a rule, a hookah is smoked in a group, during a leisurely conversation, which obviously does not contribute to the establishment of such “records.”
By the way, the amount of carbon monoxide inhaled when smoking 1 cigarette is 11.66 mg. Now calculate for yourself how much carbon monoxide a smoker will get if he smokes 100 cigarettes on his own.
For reference: death from carbon dioxide poisoning is possible with inhalation of 2300 mg (equivalent to approximately 20 cigarettes).
Toxic substances and heavy metal salts
Both hookah smoke and cigarette smoke contain toxic substances and heavy metal salts. However, their ratio is clearly in favor of hookahs. And the point here is not only in quantitative superiority (remember, 4700 versus 142?), but also in the danger of compounds that increase during combustion: isoprene, which causes nausea and dizziness, damages the kidneys, cadmium, carcinogens tar, nitrosodimethylamine and acetaldehyde, poisonous ammonia, which affects the head brain and central nervous system, deadly arsenic, toxic nitromethane...
In addition, when burning, they also enter into active interaction, enhancing their effect on the human body.
The principle of operation of an electronic cigarette
A vape, in essence, is an electronic vapor generator that resembles an inhaler in appearance and mechanism of action. Different manufacturers offer different designs of electronic cigarettes, but basically modern vaping devices consist of two main elements - a battery mod and an atomizer.
The battery pack can be of two types: box mod and mech mod. The first type is presented in the form of a metal cylinder, inside of which there is a board. In this case, the user can automatically adjust the output power, the resistance force of the coil winding, and find out the battery charge level. In a mechanical mod, as the name suggests, voltage is supplied mechanically by pressing a button.
However, you need to be careful here when adjusting the coil resistance and output power: incorrect settings can lead to a battery explosion.
The second important component of an electronic cigarette is the atomizer or vaporizer. This is a special block in which the evaporation of liquid occurs and its further transition to the aggregate state of vapor. Most often, there are two types of atomizer: a classic tank for evaporating liquid and a drip - a spring with cotton wool soaked in a non-flammable liquid, which, when heated, turns this liquid into steam. However, in fact, the classification of atomizers is complex and extensive; all varieties have their own nuances in design and methods of use.
The operating principle of a vape device is quite simple. An atomizer soaked in vape juice is supplied with current. The current heats the coil to the desired temperature, and then the liquid evaporates in the atomizer. In the tank, the liquid is consumed evenly, while in the drip the consumption is much higher, but an incredible amount of thick vapor is formed.
And as for hookah tobaccos - what is included in their composition?
Hookah tobacco, in addition to the actual tobacco leaves, also contains the following components:
- Marinade or molasses (sugar syrup soaked into tobacco leaves);
- Glycerin, which provides “smokiness”;
- Flavorings, thanks to which there is such a variety of tastes;
- Preservatives that ensure freshness and proper storage of moist tobacco.
Opponents of hookahs pay attention to glycerin - considering this element dangerous.
How can it harm?
Is glycerin in hookah tobacco harmful?
Glycerin vapor particles make up the bulk of hookah smoke. Glycerin is a simple trihydric alcohol of a viscous-liquid consistency, actively used in various industrial fields, including in medicine. This is a globally approved substance that you can buy at any pharmacy without a prescription.
How can it be dangerous when smoking a hookah?
Actually, nothing.
The evaporation temperature of glycerin is 100°C, the boiling point is 290°C. The poisonous gas acrolein (by the way, also present in cigarette smoke) can only be formed by prolonged boiling of glycerin and in the presence of catalysts. However, as soon as the temperature in a hookah cup rises above 150°C, burning sugar in molasses gives the tobacco an unpleasant taste.
So, in order to suffer from glycerin in hookah smoke, you will have to try hard and endure the disgusting bitterness for some time.
Vapes are not safe, but they are significantly less harmful than cigarettes.
Vaping technology has made it possible to completely eliminate carcinogenic combustion products. Doctors recognize any method of “smoking” without combustion products (electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating systems) as significantly less harmful than cigarettes.
David Abrams, a professor at New York University, said after a 3-month experiment with mice: “If the majority of current American smokers switched to e-cigarettes over the next 10 years, the number of premature deaths would decrease by 6.6 million and the number of years of life lost will decrease by 86.7 million.”
Water filtration vs mechanical filters
A water filter is an absolute advantage of a hookah: passing through water in a flask, the smoke is cleared of acrolein and acetaldehyde, the amount of nicotine and phenols is reduced (up to 90%), and the amount of small solid particles is also reduced by half.
Cigarettes also use filters (carbon or mechanical), but they rather prevent physical penetration. The filter, like cigarettes, contains harmful substances to a much lesser extent; in addition, under the influence of high temperatures, new chemical compounds related to carcinogens appear.
To be fair, it is worth noting that cooled smoke penetrates deeper into the lungs, not only into the upper lobes, but also into the middle and lower lobes. If you abuse hookah, this can serve as an additional cause for concern.
Bonus comparisons
And now a special section if you use alternative and supposedly “harmless” methods of obtaining nicotine. Let's compare hookah and vape, hookah and IQOS and hookah and snus. Let's look at the candidates, looking at their effects on the body.
Hookah or electronic cigarette (vape)
The vape (or electronic cigarette) is a relatively modern and portable device. Key features of the gadget:
- Absence of tobacco combustion process. And on this fact, hypotheses about the “less harmfulness” of vaping are built.
- Convenient to refuel (no need to light coals and clog the bowl)
- Mobility and portability
Despite all the technology, you get the same or more nicotine with extra. substances in liquids. On the plus side, it can be said that due to the ability to vape frequently, it can cause you more harm.
Vape hides another secret. The autonomous device contains a battery - a battery. You've probably heard about cases where it exploded in the owner's hands due to a battery malfunction. And there is meat, severed fingers and quiet horror. In this regard, a hookah is a safer device.
The final decision is yours and depends on your goals and preferences. If you need a pocket device for moving around the city, take a vape. Home “get-togethers” with friends will be perfectly complemented by a standard hookah, in my opinion. Both options entail some health problems.
What is more harmful: Hookah or Vape?
Hookah or snus
“We won’t smoke if it’s so harmful. Let’s throw better!” – this is probably the thinking of the Swedes who created snus (ha ha). Basically, snus is a small dose of tobacco that is placed under the upper or lower lip. The transfer of substances into the blood occurs through the mucous membrane in the gum area. To speed up the absorption process, chemicals and flavorings are added to tobacco.
The results of “smokeless smoking” are a bit disastrous. Snus causes inflammation of the gums and mouth. The roots of teeth are especially at risk. The alkali penetrates there and corrodes the base. Another important point with snus - forget about a snow-white smile. Some of the mixture remains on the teeth, turning them either gray or yellow.
If I choose the lesser of two evils, I will definitely choose a hookah. Compared to snus, it looks quite harmless.
What is more harmful: Hookah or Snus?
Hookah or IQOS
Now the advanced gadget IQOS (IQOS), which instantly gained popularity. This is a kind of analogue of a vape, in which tobacco is heated to moderate temperatures. The result is smoke with reduced emissions of harmful compounds. You can use replaceable sticks as consumables.
There is also no combustion process here, and this plays into the hands of the device. But it cannot be called completely safe. The emitted vapor contains nicotine and combustion products that affect:
- Cardiovascular system
- Nervous system
Smoking IQOS is completely contraindicated for pregnant women, patients with gastritis and stomach ulcers. Basically, the same as with a hookah.
Compared to the miniature device, the classic chilim looks like a real giant. But in each case, the smoker receives negative effects from harmful substances.
A relative disadvantage of IQOS for health is its availability at any time. You can vape it more often, which means you can disturb your health more often!
What is more harmful: Hookah or IQOS (IQOS)?
And now - to vapes. No tobacco - no problem?
Vape, also known as an electronic cigarette, began its journey as an actively advertised “healthy” alternative to smoking regular cigarettes. After the adoption of the anti-tobacco law in Russia in 2013, the popularity of vaping reached a new level. But now the Ministry of Health is already openly declaring the dangers of vaping, and officials have equated electronic and regular cigarettes in the face of the Law.
So you can't smoke a vape in public places.
But it is possible in specially designated places. And therefore it’s time to discuss - is it worth it?
Despite loud statements (this is the official name of the vape - ENDS) there is “pure water vapor”, WHO denies this.
In addition to the nicotine we are already familiar with, “pure vapor” can contain substances such as propylene glycol and formaldehyde.
Propylene glycol released when the mixture is heated can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and persistent allergic reactions. Formaldehyde is included in the list of carcinogens, and even occasional inhalation can lead to irritation of the mucous membranes and skin.
But this potential danger cannot be compared with all the above-mentioned consequences of smoking cigarettes.
Vape or hookah without nicotine
Ardent adherents of a healthy lifestyle have long discovered tobacco-free hookah mixtures and liquids for vape refills that do not contain nicotine. In this case, the basis in smoking mixtures is no longer tobacco leaf, but plant components, for example, beets or stems of freely growing sugar cane. They do not contain nicotine, the risk of harm to health is minimal, which means you can safely entertain yourself and those around you by blowing delicious smoke, and experience so-called “relaxation.” The same applies to nicotine-free e-liquids and e-hookahs. However, there is still no scientific confirmation of the complete safety of these devices - statistics and numbers are not enough . After all, vaping devices appeared on the market quite recently, and it is too early to judge how much more harmful they are than hookahs and regular cigarettes.
On the one hand, it is obvious that the evaporation of water will not cause any harm to the body. On the other hand, we must not forget that glycerin, propylene glycol and various perfume fragrances are not intended for ingestion. In addition, during the heating process, the aromatic essence undergoes breakdown into toxic elements, which over time can cause the development of many respiratory diseases.
We looked in detail at the difference between a hookah and a vape. Of course, if you decide to give up long-term smoking, then a hookah or an electronic cigarette will be a good option in the fight against addiction. However, there is an opinion that smoking in such a lightweight way as vaping only speaks of a person’s weakness and his inability to break the bad habit once and for all.
Is hookah addictive?
Research conducted in Lebanon showed that among people who smoke hookah up to 3 times a week, only 10% of people have a nicotine addiction. Among those who smoke hookah every day, 40% are nicotine addicts.
The same numbers are relevant for those who like to vape. But, obviously, a hookah cannot be called a portable device, and smoking here is more of a ritual than a habit. So in the case of vapes, it is much easier to become addicted.
From this it follows that if you follow the measures, it is quite difficult to become dependent on hookah. Another thing is psychological dependence, but there are no uniform norms here, because the paths of development of such dependence are very unpredictable, and can affect a variety of addictions - from pear caramel to even numbers of trams.
Is it possible to quit smoking with a vape or hookah?
You can quit smoking with the help of willpower. Vape or hookah here can only have a placebo effect. This is evidenced by the results of a study published in 2014 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine: there is no noticeable effect from such a replacement, and even after a year, the nicotine thirst of heavy smokers makes itself felt, and many of them returned from e-cigarettes to regular ones .
To be fair, we cannot fail to mention the potential dangers that hookah smoking brings.
If you want to quit smoking
Those who smoke a pack a day and want to reduce the number of cigarettes and reduce the harm to health, it is rational to take the path of vaping. You can get short-term satisfaction from nicotine. Your mood will improve and your nervousness will decrease. Other harmful substances consumed with steam will reach you minimally.
But switching from classic smoking to hookah smoking will not work. After all, this is practically giving up the habit. Throughout the day, the body will signal to get its nicotine, and you can smoke hookah in the evening, after working hours.
In addition, for an hour of such smoking, the dose of nicotine will be the amount of its content in one cigarette. If you want to try smoking for fun, then prefer a hookah. After which you decide whether you will continue or not.
Not everyone knows about the existence of “zero” nicotine-free e-liquids. In case of supporting company or entertainment - why not. Smoking sugar cane or beet stalks is a kind of relaxation. Vape can't do any harm here.
Who shouldn't smoke hookah?
- People who are genetically predisposed to cancer - especially when it comes to cancer of the larynx, esophagus, lungs, bronchi, and oral cavity;
- The issue of hygiene: there is an opinion that microorganisms responsible for the development of diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis A can accumulate and multiply in the flask. We do not exclude the possibility that there are unscrupulous hookah operators who do not care about proper cleaning of their equipment, but with us you have nothing to fear — we thoroughly disinfect the flasks and use only disposable hypoallergenic mouthpieces;
- For people prone to psychological dependence and who do not know the limits: remember that all excesses are harmful, and even from a large number of apples you can be overtaken by heartburn, as Shakespeare said: so sweet is honey that, in the end, it is also vile - so observe in moderation, friends!
What to choose?
Naturally, I will recommend hookah. However, your choice will depend on what you need a hookah or vape for and what exactly is more important to you: autonomy or atmosphere.
You can smoke hookah alone, or you can smoke it in the company of friends. It will perfectly complement any conversation, board game or watching your favorite TV series.
Vape is more about solo vaping. Almost anywhere, without the need to wash it after smoking, without stinking coals, without heat control and other nuances, but in one place.
In general, it is quite difficult to compare these two cultures, because they are about different things. There is not even tobacco in the vape, there is only liquid. Objectively, the choice should be made after assessing the pros and cons and determining the purpose of using a particular device. Subjectively, hookah is simply more interesting. With its own disadvantages, but with more significant, as for me, advantages.
Pros and cons of a classic hookah
The classic hookah has a certain list of advantages compared to other smoking methods:
- The hookah provides for both personal use and company use.
- All components of the device are removable and can be replaced with others at any time (for example, you can change the tube or install a more beautiful flask).
- The market is filled with a huge range of models that can satisfy the needs and aesthetic pleasure of even the most demanding customers. After all, a hookah is used not only as a smoking device, but also as a stylish and original design accessory.
- Smoking a hookah is a ritual filled with romance, pleasure and complete relaxation. Unlike cigarettes, hookahs are not smoked just for the next dose of nicotine.
- A wide selection of tobacco flavors and fillers allows even experienced smokers to always try something new.
Along with the advantages, the classic hookah also has some disadvantages:
- Basic components such as coal and tobacco are quite expensive, which leads to increased waste.
- The process of preparing and smoking a hookah requires special skills, attention and time. Unfortunately, you cannot use the hookah at any convenient time.
- The hookah smoking ceremony takes a certain amount of time. If you want to take a few puffs of smoke, a traditional hookah will be an expensive pleasure.
Classic or electronic
To get an answer to the question that concerns smokers, you should clearly define for what purpose the hookah will be used by a specific person:
- An electronic device is better suited to replace cigarettes.
- For smoking alone, it is also advisable to use an electronic hookah, while a classic one is more suitable for a friendly company.
- Those who appreciate the aesthetics of smoking prefer to use a traditional hookah.
- If you want to try new tastes and aromas every time, a classic hookah is more acceptable.
- For outdoor use, it is better to give preference to a classic device, since an electronic hookah (if the battery is discharged) will simply have nowhere to charge it.
Smoking hookahs in Russia has become a popular way to relax and is widespread everywhere - you can order it at a bar or “score” it at home yourself. The boom in “home” hookahs is not surprising: not everyone can afford to visit establishments frequently, so a “home” hookah quickly pays for itself. And the cooking process is quite simple: water - in a flask, tobacco - in a bowl, coals on top, ready.
Due to its accessibility and widespread belief that it is harmless, this type of recreation has become very popular. Various flavors, thick smoke, bubbling water in a flask - all this adds atmosphere to simple gatherings with friends. However, we should not forget that any tobacco (be it for hookah or cigarettes) contains substances harmful to the body, which settle in the lungs during smoking and negatively affect health.
The fashion for hookahs is gradually turning into the fashion for vapes. This is a portable electronic cigarette, also known as a “vaporizer” (from the English vapourizer). It evaporates a flavored liquid that contains nicotine. All this is presented as a harmless alternative not only to cigarettes, but also to hookah, as well as a way to quit smoking. The main argument is the absence of a combustion process. Now this is called a whole vape culture, but, still, it’s just throwing smoke in the eyes in the literal and figurative sense.
Pros and cons of electronic hookah
According to those who have already started using an electronic hookah, this device has quite a lot of advantages. The main ones are:
- The compactness of the device and the ability to carry it with you always and everywhere.
- No need for long preparation and smoking. One breath is enough for pleasure.
- Relatively affordable price.
- The electronic type of hookah replaces cigarettes for those who want to get rid of the smoking habit.
- There is no combustion process. The heating coil acts on the liquid and forms a vapor cloud. Therefore, you can smoke simply by pressing one button.
However, there are also negative characteristics that do not benefit the electronic hookah:
- Given that the heating coil operates from a battery, the electronic device requires constant charging.
- The device cannot be repaired; if it breaks, you will have to buy a new one.
- Changing hookah parts is an expensive pleasure.
- The range of flavoring additives today is minimal, and, therefore, you will have to be content with little.
- Lack of a romantic note in the smoking process. In this regard, connoisseurs of traditional hookah refuse the electronic analogue.
